Mari Liveaboard Indonesia Reviews & Specials - Bluewater Dive Travel

Mari Liveaboard

4.5
(1 REVIEW)
Phinisi liveaboard cruising Indonesian waters
Spacious sundeck for relaxing after dives
Bean bag chairs on sundeck
Clean and comfy al fresco dining area
Deluxe Cabins onboard
Superior Cabins onboard
Dive deck onboard
Aerial view of the Mari
The Mari liveaboard in Indonesia

Destination: Indonesia

Raja Ampat, Triton Bay, Banda Sea, Forgotten Islands & Halmahera (8-12Nights) | From $419++/night

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mari liveaboard Quick Pitch

The Mari Liveaboard is a 34m traditional Indonesian Phinisi, offering an exceptional dive experience in Indonesia's renowned waters. Constructed with ironwood and teak, the Mari features 7 cabins with AC and en-suite bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable and personalized stay for up to 14 guests.

 

Dive Overview

Indonesia beckons avid divers with an unparalleled underwater paradise. Boasting more than 25% of the world's fish species and over 72% of global coral species, it stands as the epitome of biodiversity. This archipelago, often hailed as the world's epicenter of marine life diversity, rivals destinations in the Coral Triangle. Be it the allure of macro critters, encounters with majestic marine giants, the beauty of coral reefs, or the thrill of drift dives – Indonesia has it all. 

[See: Raja Ampat Dive Travel GuideKomodo Dive Travel Guide and Bali Dive Travel Guide]

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Accommodations

Types of Cabins, Amenities and Photos

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mari liveaboard accommodation Overview

Featuring seven cabins in total, the Mari Liveaboard accommodates up to 14 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. The three Deluxe Cabins, each equipped with either a king-size bed or twin beds, offer a spacious and well-ventilated haven. While the four Superior Cabins, feature bunk beds, and a bright and airy ambiance that is maintained with windows that allow natural light to flood the space. All cabins are located on the main deck and boast private air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant temperature throughout the voyage. With en-suite bathrooms providing hot and cold water, the cabins provide both convenience and a cozy atmosphere. 

Mari Liveaboard Mari Liveaboard

Deluxe Cabins

Mari Liveaboard Mari Liveaboard

Superior Cabin (R) & Ensuite Bathroom (R) 

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General Facilities

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Mari Liveaboard Mari Liveaboard

Mari Liveaboard Mari Liveaboard

 Mari Liveaboard Mari Liveaboard

 

mari liveaboard Boat Features

  • Sun and Star Deck
  • Outdoor Dining
  • Leisure Deck
  • Observation Deck
  • Bar
  • Library
  • Free Internet
  • Aircon Cabins
  • En-Suite bathrooms with hot water
  • Warm Water Showers
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dedicated Local & International Crew
  • Nearly 1:1 Crew-to-Guest Ratio

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mari liveaboard DIVE FACILITIES

  • Custom built for diving
  • Charging stations
  • Separate Rinse for u/w Camera
  • Outside Showers
  • Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
  • Snorkelling Equipment
  • Naturalist Guide
  • Nitrox

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food & drinks aboard mari liveaboard

Indulge your palate in a culinary journey aboard the Mari Liveaboard, where every meal is a delightful experience complementing your underwater adventures. The onboard kitchen caters to both international and local tastes, serving up a diverse array of delectable dishes; while the highly-trained chef ensures that each meal is a feast for the senses, with a focus on fresh, healthy, and delicious cuisine. From savory international specialties to local delicacies, the onboard menu is crafted to satisfy the diverse preferences of our guests. The al-fresco dining table, set against the stunning backdrop of the Indonesian scenery, provides the perfect setting to savor a hearty meal; and the onboard bar is well-stocked, offering a variety of beverages to enhance your dining experience. 

Mari Liveaboard Mari Liveaboard

 

mari liveaboard deck plan

Mari Liveaboard

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Schedule, Rates & Availability

Mari Liveaboard Schedule & Rates

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Prices are per person in USD and do not include national park fees.

[See also: Inclusions & Exclusions]

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inclusions

 

RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more information on departure dates that are not listed and availability please email us at info@bluewaterdivetravel.com or call us at +1-310-915-6677 and we will gladly help you plan your dream dive vacation!

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Dive Information & Itineraries

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Banda Neira & Triton Bay Adventure | 11 nights/12 days

  • The 12-day Dive & Adventure Travel guides us first from Ambon to Banda Neira with a stop in Nusau Laut. Nusa Laut is known for its clean reefs that are protected by the local community.
  • Ambon Island is the capital of Maluku Province and its main town, Kota Ambon is the largest and most developed in the region. In the 17th century when the spice trade was at its peak and the Dutch monopoly on cloves its strongest, they made Kota Ambon their base in the Moluccas because of its superb natural harbor offered, and the town was known as the “Queen of the East”.
  • Our journey continues to Banda Neira - Once known as the Spice Islands. The condition and health of the coral reefs are breathtaking.
  • From Banda Neira we sail west towards Triton Bay. The stop halfway in Pulau Koon & Kurkap is a must. Some divers call this divesite "fish soup". In 2011, the WWF made a Marine Conservation Agreement (MCA) to close the water area around Koon Island for a long period of time to provide a “fish bank” for the future generations. Koon is a conservation area and therefore a no take fish zone.
  • Triton Bay is located in the Kaimana Regency, located in West Papua Province in Indonesia. It is on the western side of the wider island of New Guinea. In 2008 Kaimana Regency designated 6,000 square meters of land as a special Marine Protected Area.
  • Sample Itinerary:
  • Day-1:
  • Arrival in Ambon, the main city and seaport of Ambon Island, serving as the capital of the Maluku province of Indonesia.
  • Transport is arranged from the airport or your hotel to our vessel "MARI."
  • The optimal time of arrival is the day before the trip or early morning on the day of the trip.
  • The boat will depart between 12 pm and 2 pm.
  • After a check-up dive near Ambon, we sail towards our first destination – Nusa Laut. The next morning, we will enter the fantastic underwater world. With a bit of luck, we can watch Delphien schools having breakfast here.
  • Day 2-11:
  • If possible, 3-4 dives daily will be offered. During crossings, only 1-2 dives a day can be scheduled.

 

Cenderawasih Bay - Whale Shark & Wreck Adventure | 11D/10N (Manokwari-Nabire)

  • In 2002, the Indonesian government declared 1.5 million hectares of the western Cenderawasih Bay as the country's largest Marine Protected Area. The bay is more than 300 kilometers wide. Dazzling vistas ranging from dense tropical forests sheathing mist-topped limestone cliffs to tiny sand-ringed atolls capping dramatic coral walls highlight the protected area.
  • There are over 500 species of hard coral in Cenderawasih Bay, nearly 10 times more than in the entire Caribbean. But Cenderawasih Bay is not just about hard coral. Whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, live here and are frequently spotted by divers all year round. Cenderawasih Bay is the only place in the world where it is possible to see such a large quantity of whale sharks and with such ease, and not only diving, but just snorkeling or swimming.
  • The numerous Japanese wrecks scattered around the bay from the Second World War are another major call. Underwater exploration of the Cenderawasih region has only just begun, and we expect more surprises to emerge for these extraordinary seas.
  • Sample Itinerary
  • Day 1:
  • Arrival in Manokwari, the capital of Papua Barat (West Papua) province, located on Teluk Cenderawasih near the northeastern corner of the Vogelkop.
  • Pick-up service from your hotel or Manokwari airport (Rendani) with a warm welcome from the crew upon boarding KLM MARI.
  • Enjoy a cold refreshing drink, followed by cabin allocation and board orientation.
  • Briefing on safety and diving operations.
  • The boat will depart between 10 am and 2 pm (depending on the arrival time).
  • After the check-up dive, a southward journey into Cenderawasih Bay begins.
  • Day 2-11:
  • If possible, 3-4 dives daily will be offered. During crossings, only 1-2 dives a day can be scheduled.

 

Raja Ampat – Central (Sorong-Sorong) | 8 nights/9 days

  • Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo and the smaller island of Kofiau. The Raja Ampat archipelago is the part of Coral Triangle which contains the richest marine biodiversity on earth. Raja Ampat is the place where coral species reach 75% of all known species and fish nearly 1,300 species. Raja Ampat is also a paradise for bird watchers. The Raja Ampat islands are a truly natural phenomenon with enormous biological diversity.
  • On this trip, we explore the central area of Raja Ampat. Our destinations are located in the Dampier Strait and the Fam Islands further west. The beautiful landscape with the peninsula-like islands in Penemu is certainly familiar from the Internet and is easy to confuse with the insularity of Wayag in the north of Raja Ampat. The locals have therefore given the name "small Wayag" to the island of Penemu.
  • Sample Itinerary
  • Day-1:
  • Your flight will arrive in Sorong, a coastal city in the eastern Indonesian province of West Papua, serving as the gateway to Indonesia's Raja Ampat Islands.
  • Transport is organized from the airport or your hotel to the vessel "MARI."
  • The optimal time of arrival is the day before the trip or early morning on the day of the trip.
  • The boat will depart between 12 pm and 2 pm.
  • At noon on the day of arrival, departure from Sorong with an NW heading towards south Waigeo is scheduled.
  • At sunset, we reach our anchorage near Mioskon Island, located in the Dampier Strait. During the crossing, there is enough time to get familiar with the ship, check the diving equipment, and relax.
  • The next morning, we will enter the fantastic underwater world of Raja Ampat.
  • Day 2-7:
  • If possible, 3-4 dives daily will be offered. During crossings, only 1-2 dives a day can be scheduled.

 

Raja Ampat (Misool + Central) | 11 nights/12 days

  • Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo, and the smaller island of Kofiau. The Raja Ampat archipelago is part of the Coral Triangle, which contains the richest marine biodiversity on earth. Raja Ampat is the place where coral species reach 75% of all known species and fish nearly 1,300 species. Raja Ampat is also a paradise for bird watchers. The Raja Ampat islands are a truly natural phenomenon with enormous biological diversity.
  • On this trip, we are cruising with a southwest course to Misool, one of the major islands of Raja Ampat, and later, we will set a course north - to Fam Islands and the west coast of Waigeo. Our way back with a southeast course leads us to the very small Island Arborek, and we continue to Mansuar Island and Kri Island. After crossing the Dampier Strait, the return course is set to Sorong.
  • Sample Itinerary:
  • Day-1:
  • Arrival in Sorong, a coastal city in the eastern Indonesian province of West Papua, serving as the gateway to Indonesia's Raja Ampat Islands.
  • Day 2-12:
  • If possible, 3-4 dives daily will be offered. During crossings, only 1-2 dives a day can be scheduled.

 

Raja Ampat & Banda Neira Adventure | 11 nights/12 days

  • The 12-day Dive & Adventure Travel commences in Sorong, guiding guests to the premier dive sites of Raja Ampat – specifically, to Misool. Raja Ampat, acclaimed for hosting 75% of all known coral species and nearly 1,300 fish species, stands as a contender for the world's greatest marine biodiversity. Additionally, it serves as a paradise for bird watchers.
  • The journey unfolds, taking a route via Koon Island, aptly nicknamed "fish soup," to Banda Neira, historically recognized as the Spice Islands, boasting awe-inspiring coral reefs. Continuing from Banda, the itinerary heads towards Ambon, with a stop in Nusa Laut, acknowledged for its pristine reefs protected by the local community.
  • Ambon Island, the capital of Maluku Province, showcases Kota Ambon, the largest and most developed town in the region. In the 17th century, during the apex of the spice trade and the zenith of the Dutch monopoly on cloves, Kota Ambon became the Dutch base in the Moluccas, earning the town the epithet "Queen of the East."
  • While traces of that era persist, the majority of Dutch colonial-era buildings succumbed to destruction during the WWII battle for Ambon between the Allied forces and the Japanese.
  • Upon arrival in Sorong, a coastal city in the eastern Indonesian province of West Papua, guests will find it to be the gateway to Indonesia's Raja Ampat Islands.
  • Sample Itinerary:
  • Day-1:
  • Transport from the airport or the guest's hotel to the vessel "MARI" is meticulously organized.
  • It is recommended to arrive either the day before the trip or early morning on the day of the trip for optimal convenience.
  • The boat is scheduled to depart between 12 pm and 2 pm.
  • By noon on the arrival day, the vessel sets sail from Sorong with a southwest heading. After a check-up dive near Sorong, the journey continues towards Misool, reaching the area of Daram at night. The following morning marks the entry into the fantastic underwater world of Raja Ampat.
  • Day 2-11:
  • Whenever possible, the itinerary includes 3-4 dives daily. During crossings, only 1-2 dives a day can be scheduled.

 

Triton Bay & Raja Ampat Adventure | 11 nights/12 days

  • The 12-day Dive & Adventure Travel embarks in Kaimana, situated in West Papua Province, Indonesia. Triton Bay, designated as a special Marine Protected Area in 2008, offers a unique underwater experience, showcasing bobbing pygmy seahorses and elegant whale sharks among its highlights.
  • Triton Bay and the Iris Strait, though secluded, have gained recognition among serious divers for their abundant marine diversity and serene atmosphere, away from the usual crowds. After spending four days exploring this hidden gem, the journey continues northwest towards Misool, the golden southern region of Raja Ampat.
  • Raja Ampat, often referred to as the Four Kings, consists of over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo, and the smaller Kofiau. As a part of the Coral Triangle, it boasts the richest marine biodiversity on Earth, with coral species reaching 75% of all known species and nearly 1,300 fish species. Raja Ampat is also a haven for bird watchers, offering a truly natural phenomenon with immense biological diversity. The expedition concludes with a sail towards Sorong, completing an unforgettable journey through these remarkable Indonesian waters.
  • Sample Itinerary
  • Day-1
  • Upon arriving in Kaimana, located in the southern part of West Papua province in Indonesia, the guests' flights will be welcomed. The team ensures organized transport from the airport or designated hotels to the vessel "MARI." The recommended arrival time is either the day before the trip or early in the morning on the day of departure. The boat is scheduled to depart between 12 pm and 2 pm.
  • Following a check-up dive near Cayman, the expedition sets sail eastward towards Triton Bay. The following morning marks the exploration of the fantastic underwater world in this region.
  • Day 2-11
  • The itinerary strives to offer 3-4 dives daily, optimizing the underwater experience. In instances where travel distances are covered, a schedule of 1-2 dives per day may be arranged.

 

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Other Information

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Boat Specifications

  • Type: Traditional Indonesian Phinisi
  • Year: 2008
  • Length: 34m
  • Width: 6.5m
  • Engine: Nissan RD8/280PS
  • Speed: 8 knots
  • Range: 4,000 nautical miles
  • Dinghy: 3 dinghies from fiber (2x 6.5 m / 40 PS Yamaha + 1x 4 m / 15 PS Yamaha)
  • Generators: 1 x Yanmar 4 Cyl./26,4kW & 1 x Yanmar 4 Cyl./16kW
  • Fuel Tank: 16000 liter
  • Water Tank: 6000 liter and 2x desalinator reverse-osmosis (10000 liter / day)
  • Compressors: 2x CAT 9 / 240 liter/min, 1x ASTRA 200 liter/min, 1x NRC NITROX membrane system (500 Liter/min)
  • Electrical System:220v / 50 Hz

 

Practical Information

  • Time Zone: UTC+8
  • Local Currency: IDR (Indonesian Rupiah)
  • Language Spoken: Indonesian, English & German
  • Electricity: 220 V
  • Payment Onboard: Cash, credit card & WISE

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Got Questions? Ready to Book?

Call us today at +1-310-915-6677 or email us info@bluewaterdivetravel.com

And let us book your dream vacation!

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Underwater Gallery 

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Reviews (1)

5
4
4
5

I recently had the pleasure of spending 12 days aboard the Mari liveaboard in Raja Ampat, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped on board, I was impressed by the exceptional service and the professionalism of the crew.

The cabins on the Mari are spacious and well-designed, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of diving. The living areas are equally spacious, offering plenty of room for relaxation and socializing. Even with a full complement of guests, it never felt crowded.

The diving in Raja Ampat is world-renowned, and the Mari certainly lives up to that reputation. We visited some of the best dive sites in the region, with our dives at Kri Island and Chicken Reef standing out as particularly spectacular. Ungke, our dive guide, made excellent choices, ensuring we experienced the vibrant marine life and stunning coral gardens that Raja Ampat is famous for.

The crew of the Mari is what truly sets this liveaboard apart. Ungke and his team are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to ensure every guest has a memorable experience. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist with a smile. The level of service provided rivals that of higher-end boats I've been on, and I cannot commend them enough for their efforts.

The food on board was excellent, with a variety of delicious dishes served at each meal. The quality of the food was consistently high, and dining was always a pleasant experience.

Overall, my time on the Mari liveaboard was incredibly rewarding. The excellent service, fantastic diving, and the professionalism of the crew made it a trip to remember. I would happily recommend the Mari to anyone looking to explore the wonders of Raja Ampat. Thank you to the entire team for providing such a wonderful experience.

Visited on 05/2024 - Submitted on 05/28/2024

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